Jeffrey Robert Buckanin, 40, unexpectedly passed away on September 15, 2023. Jeff was born on May 16, 1983, in Lancaster, California to Robert Buckanin and Joni Dillon. Jeff moved to Yorktown, VA at the tender age of 5. Although Jeff wasn't a sports fanatic as an adult, he enjoyed playing t-ball and soccer and also swimming on the swim team in his early youth. Jeff also enjoyed participating in various high school organizations: History Club, Bowling Club and Pool Club.  A 2001 graduate of Tabb High School, Jeff continued his education at Thomas Nelson Community College.

Jeff started his civil service career by transferring from contractor to civilian. He was determined to be key personnel in closing down Fort Monroe and transferring IT services to Fort Eustis. He loved working at Fort Monroe, especially taking walks and riding on the Gator to and from customer buildings. An IT Specialist for the Department of Defense for more than 13 years, Jeff received a Certificate of Achievement Award in 2014 and a Civilian Service Achievement Medal in 2019 in addition to other awards and acknowledgements for his achievements over the years. He was commonly known as one of the "go-to" operations personnel for tackling challenging issues.

A kind and big-hearted person, Jeff always made time for everyone no matter what and found a way to see the "it could be worse" side of a situation. He had a knack for staying in touch with folks, chatting about gardens, tractors, and any new gadgets. Jeff was always willing and on call to help friends and family with any computer issues that arose.

Though a lover of technology, Jeff also loved fast cars, especially his SS Camaro, and enjoyed some good years of riding his motorcycle with Heather along for the ride on the back. Jeff loved to fly his drone and capture footage of dolphins in the creek or offshore. He particularly loved capturing sunrises and sunsets with the drone. However, it should be noted that his interests extended beyond technology. He was an avid coin collector and admirer of antiques. (Side note: Jeff enjoyed teasing his mother-in-law about her antique vase collection as he wished she would have collected something less breakable.)

Jeff never loved tomatoes until he had a home-grown Virginia tomato; he was then forever changed. He was known for late night gardening when it was cooler outside, and the sun was resting. No one would have ever expected him to become "Farmer Jeff", but in 2019 Jeffrey posted a photo of himself driving a red International tractor and proclaimed, "I've found my calling." Jeff's father-in-law enjoyed sharing tips and tricks as Jeff and Heather developed their "farming skills". It brings Heather peace to know that she and Jeff were able to have one more successful garden this Summer and share their harvest with friends and family.

Over the years, Jeff enjoyed trips down to the Outer Banks for boating and fishing with his father and stepmother and also camping with friends. The Outer Banks will always be a special place for Jeff and Heather as it was their place to get away from the hustle and bustle and where their love truly blossomed. Jeff loved stargazing with Heather and watching rocket launches from Wallops Island over the horizon with Heather and her father. He enjoyed his mother's cooking and especially her cookies. Receiving a box of his mom's homemade cookies or a bag of frozen cookies would make his day! Jeff enjoyed being the cool uncle to his nieces because he allowed them to stay up late watching movies and eating ice cream right out of the gallon container. Without a doubt, Jeff will always be remembered for his quick wit, humor and vast knowledge and love for almost all types of music, except country music (much to Heather's dismay).  However, in his years with Heather, he was able to develop a tolerance for a few country songs, and that was enough for his wife.

Jeff and Heather met in high school and were long time friends before marrying. They began dating in 2010 and were married in 2015. They loved each other very much and shared many wonderful memories together.

Jeff is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Elizabeth and Steven Buckanin; maternal grandparents Delores and Kenneth Dillon; Uncle-in-law Johnny Combs.

Jeff leaves behind his loving wife, Heather Buckanin, and his favorite cat Wedge as well as their 5 other indoor cats, Obi, Wicket, Buddy, Millie, and Chewy "Chu Chu"; their outdoor TNR colony of 12 feral cats; His mother Joni Dillon; His father Robert Buckanin and step-mother Rhonda; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Herbert and Judith King; His sisters: Jennifer White (Matt), Janesse Buckanin, and Allison Dillon; Step-sister Heather Wastella (Mike); Sister-in-law Adriene Michelle Stephenson; Nieces and nephews: Elizabeth, Victoria, Liam, Lucas, Avery, Arthur, Ronin, Luke, Lyla, Lainey, Ariel, Mia, and Lauren; Aunts: Neva Escarze, Joanne Buckanin, Maryann (Thomas); Uncles: Stephen Buckanin (Dorothy), Richard Buckanin (Carola), and Michael Dillon(Connie); Aunt by marriage Jean, and a host of cousins and friends that he held dear to his heart.

There will be a funeral service held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00am at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Rd. Newport News, Virginia 23601.

Plants or flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations may be made to No More Chasin Tails nonprofit spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats. (https://www.nomorechasintails.com/donate)

The family is very thankful for the outpouring of love and support for Jeff, Heather, and their families.